Sophomores have left mark on men's basketball program

The sophomore class of the Eastern Florida State College men's basketball team walked off the court Saturday night in Hutchinson, Kansas as some of the most decorated players in the program's history.

The Titans defeated Vincennes University Saturday night to claim third place in the NJCAA National Championship Tournament. It is the second straight season the Titans have placed in the top three in the national tournament.

The sophomore class finishes with a career record of 61-11, the most wins in program history. The 30 wins is the second most wins ever, second to last season's 31 wins.

"I am at a loss for words, it is crazy," said sophomore Eli Abaev who finishes his career with 606 rebounds. "We wanted first place but we set school records and did things nobody has ever done, so it's amazing. My name will always be in the books at Eastern Florida and I am proud of that." 

Ali finishes his Titans career with 1,182 points and 335 assists. The sophomore has hit more 3-pointers than anyone in program history, finishing with 230.

But more importantly, the guard has helped leave his stamp on the program.

"I am so blessed to be a part of this, Ali said. "I have loved every part of it. We accomplished so much, it is unbelievable."

Teammate and sophomore Michael Nuga was named to the national championship tournament all-tournament team after averaging 13.5 points in the four games in Hutchinson and has started 32 games in his two seasons with the Titans.

"That's incredible to me to be able to say that we have only lost 11 games in two years, just an amazing time. I have enjoyed my time here and am going to miss everything about this program," Nuga said. "These are all my brothers and I will be watching all their games, wherever they go. We worked hard for these two years and they are family, I am going to miss them all."

The Titans have now made the national tournament four straight seasons and eight times overall.